Ruth L. Bohringer, age 80, passed away peacefully at Legacy House in Kennewick, WA. on July 16, 2008 due to complications from Alzheimer's Disease.

Ruth was born on October 12, 1927 in Brewster, Washington, the youngest of 5 children born to George and Rachel Crossland. She grew up in that small community, graduated from Brewster High School in 1946, and married a classmate, Arnold Bohringer, in 1947. They moved their two young daughters to the Tri-Cities in 1951 so Arnold could go to work on the Hanford Project, adding two more daughters to their family in the subsequent years.

While her daughters were growing up, Ruth was a homemaker, a "super Mom" of her era, always putting Arnold and her girls before herself. She prepared home-cooked meals every day, packed lunches, sewed clothes, canned fruits and vegetables, and kept house for her family. Around age 40, she acted on some feelings of independence, learning to drive and obtaining her driver's license behind the wheel of a 1956 Chevy Bel-Air. She began working part-time outside the home, first for Shields Book and Stationery and, later, Crest Hallmark in Richland. Ruth reluctantly retired when she was 72 years old. Employment gave her an avenue to meet people, and indulge in a fondness for greeting cards, collectables, and holiday decorations. Employers, co-workers, friends, and customers continue to hold fond memories of Ruth, recalling her warmth and excellent customer service.

Ruth also enjoyed ceramics, sewing, trips to Leavenworth with her daughters, classic country music, and spending time with her husband, daughters, and their families. She was a Richland Bomber "radio fan", nervously listening to games and turning the radio off and on if the score was close. In support of her youngest daughter, she temporarily swung her allegiance to the Hanford Falcons in the mid 1970's. Even after Major League Baseball came to Seattle, she remained a devoted New York Yankees fan. Ruth attended Richland Baptist Church for many years and maintained a close and loving relationship with her Lord and Savior to the end.

To all who knew her, Ruth was an unfailingly kind, considerate, unassuming and patient woman. She loved her daughters, grandkids, great-grandkids, and particularly her husband of 60 years, Arnold, completely and without reservation.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Arnold Bohringer of Kennewick; daughters Ellen George Kuklinski of Richland, Linda Dory Clausnitzer of Puyallup, Debra Steve Westland Prichard of Richland, and Carol Alton MacInnis of Richland. Her 8 grandchildren include Stephen Bjorn, Nicole Brian Corbin, Kelly Rico Beniga, Jarrett Clausnitzer, Kendra Prichard, Ian Prichard, Rachel MacInnis, and Colton MacInnis. Ruth's 5 great-grandchildren, Ethan and Erin Beniga, and Kallee, Josie, and John Corbin, were a source of pride and joy to her.

Ruth is also survived by her sisters, Hazel Goodyear of Okanogan, WA. and Margaret Robert Cox of Spokane, cousin Cub Crossland of Monse, WA. and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.

Funeral services for Ruth will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 1:00 pm, Einan's Funeral Home at Swift Blvd. and Highway 240, Richland, WA. Viewing will take place prior to the service from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.

A special thank you is extended to Ruth's caretakers at Legacy House and to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice for their care and support during the final two months of her life.

In lieu of floral arrangements, please consider a contribution in Ruth's name to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice, the Alzheimer's Association, Inland NW Chapter, 910 W. 5th Ave., Suite 256, Spokane 99204 to support local programs and services, or to the national Alzheimer's Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60601 to support research. Financial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association can also be made via the internet at www.alz.org.

"Alzheimer's can be called the long good-bye. You grieve about the loved one from the moment you begin to observe the gradual loss of memory and the speech and personality changes, because they are incurable. The person you love is gradually changing before your eyes. You say good-bye many times until the final good-bye at death". Norma Wylie, 1996 in Sharing the Final Journey: Walking with the Dying

It is with great sadness that we say our last good-bye to our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. We will miss and cherish her forever.